The Senate has paid tribute to former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, praising his contributions to healthcare, infrastructure and regional economic cooperation in the Niger Delta.
The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the former governor, who died on October 19, 2026, shortly before his 72nd birthday.
The tributes followed a motion sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South, and co-sponsored by Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).
Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, having previously served as commissioner for health and secretary to the state government.
A medical doctor, he was credited by lawmakers with introducing free maternal and under-five healthcare programmes, investing in medical facilities and pursuing infrastructure projects, including the development of Asaba International Airport.
The senators also recalled his role in promoting economic cooperation among South-South states through the BRACED Commission, an initiative aimed at strengthening regional development and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
Moving the motion, Thomas highlighted Uduaghan’s contributions to healthcare delivery, education, infrastructure and economic diversification, saying his administration undertook programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding access to essential services.
He recalled that the former governor introduced free healthcare programmes for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five, alongside investments in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, educational facilities and road networks.
The motion also urged the Delta State Government to preserve records of major programmes and development initiatives undertaken during Uduaghan’s administration for posterity.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, said the late governor’s public service career was defined by his commitment to the people.
He noted that Uduaghan would have celebrated his 72nd birthday on October 22, 2026.
“His life is to be remembered as one of humility and service to his people,” Dafinone said.
He added that the former governor had touched numerous lives through his years as commissioner for health, secretary to the state government and governor.
“Public service is marked by the number of lives touched in service, and there is no doubt that in his eight years as governor, his position as secretary to the government and commissioner of health, our late governor touched very, very many lives,” he said.
Dafinone extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s immediate family, the Itsekiri nation, the people of Delta State and Nigerians generally.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, described Uduaghan as an important figure in efforts to promote economic integration among South-South states.
Recalling their years as governors, Oshiomhole said Uduaghan played a prominent role in supporting the establishment of the BRACED Commission, which sought to harness the region’s natural resources and human capital for collective economic development.
He also praised the former governor’s infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at developing Asaba and improving living standards across Delta State.
“He may have been born as an Itsekiri man by accident of birth, but actually he was a proud son of Delta, and he deployed all he had to upgrade the living standard of Delta,” he said.
Reflecting on the late governor’s legacy, Oshiomhole added: “Uduaghan was of my height, but his legacy was much taller than God gave him vertically.”
He prayed for the repose of Uduaghan’s soul and urged public officials to reflect on the importance of service and the legacies they leave behind.
Senator Jide Ipinagba, representing Ondo North, said he had known Uduaghan since the late 1980s, when they worked together in the Warri Junior Chamber, before their paths crossed again in the oil and gas industry.
Describing the former governor as transparent and approachable, Ipinagba said he was committed to serving humanity.
“Doctor Emmanuel Uduaghan was a very transparent person, right down to earth,” he said.
He added that Uduaghan’s contributions extended beyond politics to professional and community service, including his involvement with Junior Chamber International.
Senator Francis Faduyile, representing Ondo South, also paid tribute to Uduaghan’s contributions to medicine and healthcare administration.
Faduyile, a medical doctor, said the late governor earned the respect of healthcare professionals for his efforts to improve medical services during his tenure.
He recalled that Delta State hosted the first national health summit of the Nigerian Medical Association during Uduaghan’s administration, with discussions at the event contributing to efforts that helped shape the National Health Act.
“The medical association, the Nigerian Medical Association, has given him a lot of awards for being a forthright medical doctor, and it pained us that one of our best has transited,” Faduyile said.
He expressed condolences on behalf of Nigerian doctors and the medical community, acknowledging Uduaghan’s contributions to public health and administration.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of the co-sponsors of the motion, described the late governor as a compassionate and thoughtful person who offered guidance to members of his family.
Speaking about their relationship, she said Uduaghan was more than an in-law to her, describing him as a father figure who was always willing to offer counsel.
“He is one with a compassionate heart. He is of a quiet nature. He doesn’t dabble in what does not concern him, but whenever he sets his mind upon a task, he makes sure he sees to the end of it,” she said.
She added that his death would be deeply felt by his family, the medical community and the people of Delta State, praying for strength for those mourning him.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, described Uduaghan as a governor who pursued development without seeking public attention.
“He was an exemplary governor. He was a very silent operator. He didn’t make noise. He wasn’t a show governor,” Nwoko said.
He described the former governor as calm, focused and accessible, citing the development of Asaba International Airport as an example of his commitment to infrastructure.
Nwoko recalled that while serving in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, he had pursued approval for an airport in Asaba.
According to him, after becoming governor, Uduaghan sought a copy of the approval and proceeded with the project.
“He asked me whether I had any contractor in mind. I mentioned the one I knew, a local contractor,” Nwoko said, recounting the discussions that preceded the construction.
He said the project reflected Uduaghan’s willingness to listen to ideas and follow through on development commitments, adding that the late governor’s leadership style was characterised by humility and a lack of arrogance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Uduaghan as a committed leader who overcame considerable political opposition during his tenure as governor.
Akpabio recalled that they were political contemporaries who received their respective party tickets around the same period.
He said Uduaghan faced resistance from political stakeholders in Delta State but remained determined to pursue his political and developmental objectives.
The Senate President also recalled Uduaghan’s role in strengthening regional cooperation through the BRACED Commission and efforts to diversify the South-South economy beyond oil.
He said regional leaders had sought ways to address longstanding grievances over resource distribution and underdevelopment, issues that contributed to unrest in the Niger Delta.
Akpabio extended condolences to Uduaghan’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state, noting that his years in public service and contributions to regional development would remain part of his legacy.
Following the tributes, the Senate adopted resolutions to commiserate with Uduaghan’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of Delta State.
The lawmakers also urged the state government to preserve records of significant public programmes and development initiatives undertaken during his administration for future generations.
The Senate prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and for God to grant his family, friends, associates and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.